Nearly a year after I first arrived, I have returned to the beautiful town of Copan Ruinas in western Honduras. I actually got into town on Monday afternoon (after seventeen hours of travel, no less), but decided that I needed time to decompress and solidify my schedule before getting back to the blog.
So, what am I doing here? Well, at school, seniors have the option of writing a thesis, which is essentially an epic research paper (ca. 70 pages) about a topic within their field of study. I am interested in the ancient Maya conception of body, maize traditions and practices, and ancient gender distinctions. I am especially interested in the intersection of these three topics, which I will be researching while I am here. I will be taking lessons in Ch'orti' (the Maya language spoken by indigenous populations around Copan and in eastern Guatemala), reading in the CRIA library, and meeting with members of the Ch'orti' community to learn more about their lifestyle. All of this research will go toward my thesis when I return to Cambridge in the fall. I am hoping this blog will focus more on my own personal experiences in Copan rather than my academic research, but I am happy to elaborate more on that. Just ask!
It felt surreal walking into the entrance of Don Udo's on Monday afternoon. I had spent a whole semester making plans for this trip (and amending those plans once obstacles arose), applying for funding, getting my vaccinations and medications in order, arranging hotels and rides--I had worked so hard to get here that once I was finally here I couldn't believe it. It's definitely nice to be back, though I know this year's experience will be completely different from last year's.
I'll elaborate more on that in my next post (maybe later tonight!), in hopes of keeping these things somewhat short. This year, I won't be posting any pictures to the blog (uploading just takes too long with this internet connection) but I will get them online as soon as I get back. I will try to post as frequently as I can, so I hope you'll join me throughout the summer.
I hope all is well back in the States (and abroad, my traveling amigos)! I love you and miss you,
Alyce
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Hey, I've been reading your awesome blog for a few days now - I had no idea you will be so busy this summer and doing independent research! I really enjoy all the cultural bits - they make me miss Honduras. If you have baleadas, think of me! :) Or just bring one back, and a bottle of Salva Vida, please. Thank you. -Marta
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